ICAR-NRCP, Guwahati Celebrates 25th Foundation Day

4 September 2026, Guwahati

ICAR–National Research Centre on Pig, Rani, Guwahati, celebrated its 25th Foundation Day today with great enthusiasm and pride, marking a significant milestone in the Centre’s journey of scientific research, technology development and service to pig farmers and stakeholders. The celebration brought together senior officials of the ICAR, former Directors and scientists, farmers, progressive entrepreneurs, institutional partners, media representatives and staff members to commemorate the Centre’s 25 years of contribution to pig production and allied sectors.

The programme was graced by Dr M. L. Jat, Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR, as the Chief Guest, who joined the programme online. Dr Raghavendra Bhatta, Deputy Director General (Animal Science), ICAR, along with distinguished former and serving officials, scientists, Directors of ICAR institutes, farmers and entrepreneurs, also attended the celebration.

In his virtual address Dr Jat appreciated the Centre’s significant contributions to pig research and emphasised the need to strengthen innovation, technology transfer and entrepreneurship. He stressed the importance of developing a leadership-driven system aimed at enabling India to emerge as a leader in pig production rather than a follower.

Dr Bhatta emphasised the need to translate research outcomes into field-level technologies and strengthen linkages among researchers, farmers and entrepreneurs to enhance productivity and profitability. He also highlighted the importance of research in genomics, precision livestock farming and reproductive technologies for the characterisation of indigenous pig breeds.

Among the distinguished guests were Dr K. M. Burjarbaruah, former DDG (Animal Science), ICAR and former Vice-Chancellor, Assam Agricultural University; Dr Niranjan Kalita, Vice-Chancellor, Assam Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences University; Dr D. K. Sharma, former Director, ICAR-NRC on Pig; Dr G. Kadirvel, Director, ICAR-RCNEH; Dr N. H. Mohan, Director, ICAR-NBAGR; Dr G. Patil, Director, ICAR-NRC on Mithun; and Dr Mihir Sarkar, Director, ICAR-NRC on Yak, who joined online.

Recalling the Centre’s journey over the past 25 years, Dr Burjarbaruah appreciated its significant contribution to scientific pig production in the Northeast and emphasised the need for continued farmer-centric research and effective technology dissemination.

Dr V. K. Gupta, Director, ICAR-NRC on Pig, presented an overview of the Centre’s major achievements over the past 25 years, highlighting its contributions to pig breeding, nutrition, health, production, technology development and capacity building. 

A major highlight of the celebration was the felicitation of progressive farmers and entrepreneurs for their contributions to pig farming and value-added pig products.

Shri Dipjyoti Das of M/s Royal Pork, Guwahati, and Shri Nirav Medhi of M/s Eriloom Pvt. Ltd. were recognised for their entrepreneurial initiatives in pig meat and product processing, quality control and brand development.

Progressive farmers were also felicitated for their contributions to agriculture and pig farming. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, farmers, entrepreneurs, scientists, officials, media representatives, staff members and participants whose presence and support made the 25th Foundation Day celebration of ICAR-NRC on Pig a memorable occasion.

The Silver Jubilee celebration reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to research excellence, farmer empowerment, entrepreneurship and sustainable pig production, with a renewed focus on contributing to the development of the livestock sector in Northeast India and beyond.

(Source: ICAR–National Research Centre on Pig, Rani, Guwahati)